By Arfang M.S. Camara

Sheikh Omar Bargie, head coach of The Gambia men national volleyball team has said that winning this year’s Zone II Volleyball championship is a ‘special joy’, adding that this is because The Gambia never won such a championship with gold medals and trophy.

Coach Omar Bargie was speaking in an interview with The Voice Sports on Sunday after The Gambia men national volleyball team registered another historic victory by defeating Senegal 3-0 (25-20, 25-22, 25 -20) in the Alh Baba Sy Zone II Volleyball Championship final on Sunday.

The final that was played at a cheerful and entertaining atmosphere at the Independence Stadium was also graced by many volleyball enthusiasts.

In a show of class, both teams proved strong. The Gambians came far too strong in the first set to win 25-20. However another ensuing set followed with Gambia getting the upper hand to win 25-22.

The third set was characterized with blocks and powerful kills from both sides but it was the host whose brilliance counted to ensure they win 25-20 to record their second win over Senegal in senior competitive level following the country’s 3-1 victory against the Lions in 2019.

“The preparation was very good and I want to congratulate my boys for winning the championship. I also want to thank the volleyball federation for their support in making sure we achieve this success,” Coach Bargie further said.

According to him, this is the second time they have defeated Senegal, adding that the first was in 2019 with a 3-1 victory.

“The Senegalese came for revenge but I informed my boys about the confidence I’ve in them. We have a younger and compact team compared to the Senegalese.”

He added that his players were very composed and also sticked to their game plan.

He added that this triumph is very special because they never won such a championship, noting that this was the first of its kind winning a gold medals and trophy in Zone II competition.

“We started defeating Senegal in 2019 in senior level. We used to win them in Cadet Level but in the All African Games at senior level, this is the first time.”

Meanwhile, The Gambia women’s team lost 3-0 to Senegal in the women’s final.

Only three countries out of the 8 Zone II nations showed up for the tournament.